Periauricular hair transplantation enhances the cosmetic results of eyebrow transplantation: A retrospective study in Chinese recipients

Abstract

Background: Eyebrow transplant surgeries have become increasingly popular in recent years. Periauricular hair, with its slow growth rate and fine caliber similar to eyebrow hair, has been strategically used in eyebrow transplants to achieve enhanced and authentically natural aesthetic results.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the postoperative clinical outcomes of using periauricular hair for eyebrow transplantation.

Methods: Data from 81 patients (72 women and 9 men) who underwent eyebrow transplantation with periauricular hair between October 2020 and September 2022 were analyzed. They were followed up for 15 months' post-surgery to evaluate recovery and complications. Patient satisfaction and quality of postoperative life were assessed using a 5-point Likert scale.

Results: For female patients, the average total number of transplanted hair grafts and surgery duration were 402.33 ± 158.48 FU (follicular unit) and 193.86 ± 66.69 min, respectively. Contrastingly, male patients exhibited slightly higher values, with an average of 481.78 ± 126.43 FU and 229.00 ± 96.80 min, respectively. No significant complications were reported during the postoperative follow-up. Patients expressed general satisfaction with immediate and 15-month postoperative outcomes, reflected in a mean overall satisfaction score of 4.90. The overall satisfaction of the subjects at 15 months postoperative was significantly higher than the preoperative satisfaction (Z = -8.483, p < 0.001). The eyebrow/forehead surgery did not have a significant impact on postoperative satisfaction (H = 5.355, p = 0.374 > 0.05); however, patients without tattoos tended to report higher levels of postoperative satisfaction (Z = 8.056, p = 0.004 < 0.05). Patient satisfaction ratings for physical function, psychological function, social function, and quality of life post-operation were 5, 4.95, and 4.94, respectively.

Conclusions: Eyebrow transplant using periauricular hair can improve cosmetic outcomes and is a viable option in clinical practice.

Keywords: Eyebrow defect; Eyebrow scar; Eyebrow transplantation; Follicular unit extraction; Periauricular hair transplantation.